Defence: Research
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential for defence investment to increase private sector research intensity in the UK economy.
Answered by Luke Pollard
Defence investment in science and technology has the potential to increase private sector research intensity by providing clear demand signals, co-funding opportunities and technology roadmaps that encourage defence industry to undertake additional research and development activity. Evidence from a MOD sponsored UK industry study in 2025 indicated that defence S&T investment supports industry co-investment, attracts venture capital and inward investment, stimulates R&D expenditure, develops intellectual property and skills, and creates opportunities for commercialisation and export.
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